Suspension options - opinions appreciated

[loridr]

Here's where I'm at: I have a 69' C-10 shortbed with 72' suspension I built in the late 90's. I just retired and plan on blowing it apart again and bringing it up to date. Up front it's got tubular control arms (2" boxed lowers) and 2” springs. In the back it has 5" springs (stock panhard bar and I did not relocate the shocks), with a fuel cell between the rails. I pretty much like the stance so will stay with a 4" drop in the front and probably go 6" in the back, and I want to stay with springs, not bags.

I am fully aware that I did the back wrong by not relocating the shocks and installing an adjustable track bar (the darn thing is a pogo stick!), but I don't like the front either as there is absolutely no preload on the springs (you can rattle them around when not under load and they squeak when driving).

Couple of questions:

1. How much better off would I be in the front by switching to spindles/springs and ditching the boxed lower arms? And if I do that, would my old tubular upper arms be compatible with most manufacturers non-dropped lowers or will I need new uppers as well?

2. In the back I’ve been thinking of going to something trick like the CPP Totally Tubular complete kit or the complete ECE setup. Has anyone had any experience with the way these systems perform? Also, other than the exhaust clearance and pinion angle benefits, will one of these systems give me any better ride/handling than just relocating my shocks correctly and installing a good adjustable track bar? I plan on notching the rails no matter which way I decide to go. Bucks aren’t really an issue, but as you all know a dollar saved here is easily spent somewhere else on the ride!

I would really appreciate opinions and input from you guy’s, this forum is great.